For the 119th episode I cracked a couple beers open with Derek and Trevor from the band Choir and talked about a lot of stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with their band. For those of you who don’t know, Choir are a 4 piece Noise Rock band from Pittsburgh, PA who has been active for 2-ish years. I like them a lot. They are currently finishing up their debut full length album. This excites me. We eventually talk about it. Good times. Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED T...
Jan 31, 2017•57 min
For the 118th episode I sat down with Pittsburgh, PA based DJ/Producer Duo Tracksplotation for a talk about their histories and personal experiences as electronic musicians who have been performing live for the better part of a decade. We also discuss some of the more technical aspects that go into their craft & unique blend of Dance/HipHop/Turntablism/Mash-up style live performances. Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION:FACEBOOK: @ Tracksploitation YO...
Jan 24, 2017•58 min
For the 117th episode I sat down with Pittsburgh, PA based photographer/blogger Hugh Twyman for a talk about his history in the scene and his experiences covering it for the past 12+ years! Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION:BLOG: http://hughshowsredux.blogspot.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pg/HughShows-Photography-297710643584664/ YOUTUBE: http://tinyurl.com/zm6vuo4 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// SIKES TWI...
Jan 11, 2017•1 hr 11 min
For the 116th episode I sat down with Carolyn & Heather from the Indie Dark Pop band Dinosoul for a very relaxed & in-depth talk about the history of their band, their histories as musicians and putting your energy into the things that matter to you most. Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! PHOTOS: RedfishbowlLINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: https://www.facebook.com/dinosoulmusic/ https://dinosoul.bandcamp.com/ ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////...
Dec 27, 2016•1 hr
For the 115th episode I sat down with Jeff Betten, General Manager of Misra Records & President of Wild Kindness for a talk about pursuing your passions and sharing them with the world while simultaneously helping others get their voices heard as well. We also dive a bit into the mystical realm Yeezy and probably talk about myself a little bit too much as well… Get to know us both! Hah! Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! PHOTOS: Timothy CoxLINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION:http://www...
Dec 20, 2016•47 min
For the 114th episode I sat down with Max Bulger for a personal talk about the history of his band, The Otis Wolves, the infamous Pittsburgh DIY venue 222 Ormsby and still navigating some sort of a punk rock lifestyle as you enter your 30's. Lots of great behind the scenes stories and insight on this episode. I think you're all really going to dig it. With that being said... Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! PHOTO: Tommy Calderon PhotographyLINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION:THE OTIS WOL...
Dec 14, 2016•51 min
For the 113th episode I sat down with my friend and busy bee musician Jake Stern for a talk about playing in multiple bands, finding inspiration and being involved in the DIY music community. Jake Plays in several bands including Pittsburgh based The Otis Wolves, Same and Cleveland based Meridian. Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! PHOTO: Tommy Calderon Photography HEADER PHOTO: Josh NevadaLINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION:MERIDIAN: www.facebook.com/meridianohio THE OTIS WOLVES: www.face...
Dec 07, 2016•1 hr
For the 112th episode I sat down with my friends Nick Miller & Ashley Corts of Black Forge Coffee House for a talk about pursuing your passions, opening a business and living your dreams to the fullest! Black Forge Coffee House is a Cafe/Art Gallery/Music Venue located in the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA. Today on the show we discuss the history of Black Forge, the hurdles they had opening an independent business, what they did to eventually succeed and everything that they have ...
Nov 23, 2016•1 hr 10 min
For the 111th episode I sat down with Cat Bruno for a talk about her journey into the world of storytelling, learning how to self-promote and becoming a Top Selling Fantasy Author! Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! If you are in Pittsburgh be sure to check out her next book signing on December 3rd at Rickert & Beagle Books. 3223 West Liberty Ave - Dormont, PA 15216. 12-1PM. LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: AUTHOR WEBSITE: www.catbruno.com LATEST BOOK RELEASE: Queen of Stars and Sh...
Nov 22, 2016•1 hr 19 min
For the 110th episode I sat down with the homie Cameron LeViere of the band Lawn Care for an awesome, in depth talk about his history as a singer/songwriter and sharing your music with a world living in a digital landscape. Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION:FACEBOOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LawnCareMusic BANDCAMP: https://lawncare.bandcamp.com/ INSTAGRAM: @lawncarepgh//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// SIKES TWITTER: t...
Nov 16, 2016•1 hr 12 min
For the 109th episode I sat down with Joey & Chris from the Spooky Street Folk band Cousin Boneless for a well rounded talk about everything these two do which is a lot. Check below for the links and get ready for an awesome conversation. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! Photo: Foo Conner LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: https://cousinboneless.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/cuzinboneless/ https://thehillsandtherivers.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/4thrivermusiccoll...
Nov 11, 2016•1 hr 17 min
For the 108th episode I sat down with singer/songwriter Anna Hale aka SWAMPWALK for a talk about her creative process, inspirations and overall history behind the moody, chiptune fueled sounds she creates. SWAMPWALK just released a new album titled "Us vs. Them" and you bet your butts we're gunna talk about that too. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: MUSIC/NEW ALBUM: https://swampwalkin.bandcamp.com/album/us-vs-them FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/bu...
Nov 08, 2016•1 hr 10 min
For the 107th episode I sat down with singer/songwriter ALLEGRA for a talk about influences, self-recording, discovering the "scene" and becoming a part of it. ALLEGRA also just released a new EP and has a record release show coming up which we talked about as well. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: MUSIC: http://allegraband.com/album/my-legs-are-growing FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/allegrabandmusic/ RELEASE SHOW INFO: https://www.facebook.com/eve...
Oct 31, 2016•1 hr 2 min
For the 106th episode I sat down with Dylan and Spencer from the band FULL OF HELL for a talk about their influences as creators, electronic music, the current state of "modern" extreme music and where exactly they fit into all of it. Awesome talk. Great band. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: WEBSITE: http://www.fullofhell.com/ BANDCAMP: https://fullofhell.bandcamp.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fullofhell/ ////////////////////////////////////...
Oct 30, 2016•30 min
For the 105th episode I sat down with David B of the band Pet Clinic and talked about the 24/7 hustle of being in a DIY band and why it's even worth the effort in the first place. We also dive into his personal background and discuss some of the things that helped make David the David he is today. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! COLOR PHOTO by Olivia Fennick B&W PHOTO by Christopher Sprowls LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: WEBSITE: http://www.petclinicmusic.com/ MUSIC: https://pe...
Oct 20, 2016•1 hr 12 min
For the 104th episode I sat down with Brandon Lehman of the bands Mace Ballard & Swiss Army for a talk about his influences as a singer/songwriter and the all too familiar struggle juggle of multiple projects. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: MACE BALLARD: https://www.facebook.com/MaceBallard SWISS ARMY: https://www.facebook.com/swissarmymusic //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// SIKES TWITTER: twitter.com/therealsik...
Oct 19, 2016•46 min
For the 103rd episode I sat down with music producer extraordinaire C. Scott for a talk about the Pittsburgh music scene, hip-hop, house music, making beats, vinyl records and everything in his life that has brought him to where he is today. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/c-scott THE PITTSBURGH DIARIES: http://www.juno.co.uk/products/c-scott-the-pittsburgh-diaries/620941-01/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/cscott...
Oct 18, 2016•1 hr 33 min
For the 102nd episode I sat down with Brendan from the band William Forrest for a talk about his band, his influences, his day to day life and everything that goes into being an independent artist trying to carve their own little space in a very, very big rock. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: WF BANDCAMP: http://williamforrest.bandcamp.com/ WF FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/williamforrestband TWITTER: @William0Forrest /////////////////////////////...
Oct 17, 2016•1 hr 13 min
For the 101st episode I sat down with NR Dibert from local American Gothic band Spacefish for a talk about his origins and influences as a singer/songwriter. We also talk about all of the creative energy that goes into Spacefish and learn a lot about the bands past, present and future. OoOoOoOoOOOOoooo. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: WEBSITE: http://www.spish.tv/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/PlanetSpacefish FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com...
Oct 11, 2016•58 min
For the 100th episode (WOW OMG) I sat down with long time friend and pro sound wizard Matt Very for a talk about how things have been going over at his recording studio and get some behind the scenes insight on what it's like running a DIY business built literally from the ground up. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: WEBSITE: http://verytightrecordings.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/VeryTightRecordings/ INSTAGRAM: @mattverytight TWITTER: @mattv...
Oct 03, 2016•55 min
For the 99th episode I sat down with the brains behind the upcoming Pittsburgh Brewtal Beer Fest, Meg Evans (Rock Bottom Brewery) & James Evans (Spoonwood Brewery) for a talk about the festival and everything you can do to get involved! We also talk about their histories in the beer world and learn all about how they met. Great talk. Great people. Great beer! Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pghbrew...
Sep 27, 2016•48 min
For the 98th episode I sat down with superstar drummer David Varlotto for a talk about death metal and the internet. Some other stuff too. Whatever. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION:https://www.facebook.com/Yrsyours //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// SIKES TWITTER: twitter.com/therealsikes SIKES INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/therealsikes SIKES FACEBOOK: facebook.com/therealsikes START THE BEAT FACEBOOK: facebook.com/startthe...
Sep 24, 2016•1 hr 1 min
For the 97th episode of I sat down with Derek Zanetti aka The Homeless Gospel Choir for a second conversation. This time we discussed the generation gap and some of our difficulties aging in the "scene". Great time as always! Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/TheHomelessGospelChoir BANDCAMP: thehomelessgospelchoir.bandcamp.com ROUND 1: http://startthebeat.libsyn.com/-episode-051-derek-zanetti //////////////////////////////////////...
Sep 13, 2016•41 min
For the 96th episode I sat down with the CEO of Crashtide Clothing, Andre Frye for a talk about the day to day DIY hustle of being an independent entrepreneur and some background about the history of his company. This episode was recorded during the Pittsburgh Warped Tour date on on July 15th, 2016. Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION:WEBSITE: crashtide.comBUY STUFF: CRASHTIDE.BIGCARTEL.COMFACEBOOOK: facebook.com/crashtideIG: @crashtide // @protectyoursTW...
Aug 23, 2016•27 min
For the 95th episode I sat down with Spencer Charnas from the Boston based Metalcore band Ice Nine Kills for a talk about his history as a musician and the comeup of his band. Along with some background about his life outside of the music business and some of his views on the music business outside of Ice Nine Kills. Ice Nine Kills has just finished another year of the Vans Warped Tour and this episode was recorded during the Pittsburgh Warped Tour date on on July 15th, 2016. Sit back, relax and...
Aug 16, 2016•31 min
For the 94th episode I sat down with the CEO of Koalacore Clothing, Ricky Sanchez for a talk about the DIY come-up of his company and everything that got him where he is today. Koalacore Clothing is a clothing company dedicated to the prevention of animal abuse. They donate proceeds to a different nonprofit animal rights organization or non kill shelter every month. Sit back, relax and let's START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THIS CONVERSATION:WEBSTORE: koalacoreclothing.comFACEBOOOK: facebook.com...
Aug 02, 2016•25 min
For the 93rd episode I sat down with longtime homie Joe Boots for a talk about the various chapters of his life as a punk rock kid, emcee, artist, war veteran, independent business owner and more. Joe is a good dude with a lot of good stories and this conversation is awesome. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// SIKES TWITTER: twitter.com/therealsikes SIKES INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/therealsikes SIKES FACEBOOK: facebook.com/...
Jul 19, 2016•1 hr 14 min
For the 92nd episode I sat down with Emcee/Educator/Editor/Host/Director of Track Meet & 1/2 of LEFTFIELD - REASON for a talk about his come up in the pittsburgh Hip-Hop community and everything that drives him to be such a positive force within it. back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THISCONVERSATION: FACEBOOOK: https://www.facebook.com/reasonpgh REASON IG: @reason_pgh TRACK MEET FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TrackMeetCypher REASON TWITTER: @reason_pgh TRACK MEET IG: ...
Jul 05, 2016•1 hr 6 min
For the 91st episode I sat down with Chris Fox from the bands See You Next Tuesday & Dead Church for a talk about his experiences playing in bands and touring all over the damn place. We also talk about Chris's day to day hustle as a well established tattoo artist. It's rad. Chris is rad. This episode is rad. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THISCONVERSATION: SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY: www.facebook.com/seeyountMIDEAD CHURCH: www.facebook.com/deadchurchTWITTER: @tattoosbyf...
Jun 21, 2016•33 min
For the 90th episode, I sat down with Drew & Jon (aka Gene) from Pittsburgh Rock powerhouse Gene The Werewolf for a talk about their long standing histories as independent musicians and everything you'd ever wanna know about pursuing your artistic/creative passions. Sit back, relax and lets START THE BEAT! LINKS RELATED TO THISCONVERSATION: WEBSITE: www.genethewerewolf.comFACEBOOK: facebook.com/genethewerewolf TWITTER: @Genethewerewolf INSTAGRAM: @genethewerewolf Gene The Werewolf "The Loner...
Jun 14, 2016•1 hr 36 min
